"TOO GREAT A PRIZE TO BE LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY"

DECATUR DESTROYS CAPTURED FRIGATE USS PHILADELPHIA

Tripoli, North Africa (JFK+50) On February 16, 1804, Lt. Stephen Decatur led a force of 74 men on a mission here in Tripoli harbor.  It was during the war between the United States and the "Barbary pirates".

The objective of the mission was to destroy the captured frigate USS Philadelphia*.  The frigate, which was captured by the Pirates on October 31, 1803, was considered "too great a prize" to be left in the hands of the enemy.

Disguised as Maltese sailors, Decatur's men were able to capture or kill the pirates on board the Philadelphia and then set it on fire. 

Later in 1804, Decatur returned to Tripoli and became the hero of the "Battle of the Gunboats". 

*USS Philadelphia was a 1240 ton 36 gun sailing frigate built 1798-99.  The ship was designed by Josiah Fox & launched on Nov 28, 1799.

Burning of the USS Philadelphia

by Edward Moran (1897)

Naval History & Heritage Command

Photo #KN-10849

THE MOST BOLD & DARING ACT OF THE AGE

JFK+50:  Volume 6, No. 1861

LT. STEPHEN DECATUR LEADS ATTACK IN TRIPOLI HARBOR

Tripoli, Libya (JFK+50) Two hundred twelve years ago this evening, February 16, 1804, Lt. Stephen Decatur* led a force of 74 men on a mission in Tripoli harbor in the First War with the "Barbary Pirates."

The objective of the mission was to destroy the captured frigate USS Philadelphia so that the Pirates would not be able to use it against US forces.
The American ship had run aground on October 31, 1803 when on duty as part of a blockade directed by Commodore Edward Prebles.

The USS Philadelphia was captured and thereafter used as a gun battery by the Pirates.  Disguised as Maltese sailors, Decatur's Marines captured or killed the Pirates on board the ship and set it on fire. 

British Admiral Horatio Nelson called the action "the most bold and daring act of the age."

On July 14, 1804, Commodore Prebles launched an attack on Tripoli which proved indecisive, but in September, after Commodore Samuel Barron assumed command, success was achieved.

*Lt. Stephen Decatur, Jr. (1779-1820) was born in Sinepuvent, MD.  His father served in the US Navy during the Revolution.  SD grew up in Philadelphia.  He attended the Protestant Episcopal Academy and the University of Pennsylvania.

SD joined the US Navy & was promoted to the rank of Lt. by President John Adams.  He became an immediate national hero after his exploits in the First War with the Barbary Pirates.  SD later commanded the USS Constitution & the USS United States.

Serving as Naval Commission he owned a home in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.  SD was killed in a duel by Commodore James Barron on March 22, 1820.

Burning of the USS Philadelphia

by Edward Moran (1897)

US Naval Academy Museum

Stephen Decatur House

Washington, D.C.  

Photo by John White